Take another approach - set up other meetings with other VCs in the same city around the same time to justify the trip. Taking a trip on your own dime for one V

Take another approach - set up other meetings with other VCs in the same city around the same time to justify the trip. Taking a trip on your own dime for one VC firm isn't as cost effective with your time, unless you're in the later stages of talks and even then if it's going well then they will fly you out with their money. My initial thoughts are to either do that or search close to home. If they're really interested they'll make it happen at all costs. It's a HUGE red flag that they're reluctant or ignore the questions in the email thread a couple of times. If it's not a policy of theirs to pay to fly out a prospect then that's fine, but say it up front. I personally wouldn't want to have anyone invest in my company that hems and haws around a pointed question.